M. Musashi - The Observing Eye is Stronger than the Seeing Eye

The Pen and Sword Journal - Vol 64

Hello dear readers,
I hope you're all doing well! 😊 Today, I want to share some reflections and personal experiences that came to mind while reading a section from the Wind Scroll of The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi.

This section emphasizes the importance of observing with the right state of mind and the fundamental difference between simply looking and truly seeing. I’ll share the verses with you first, and then we’ll dive into the rest of the article.

The focus of the eyes depends on the school: there are those

who fix their eyes on the opponent’s sword, and there are also

those who fix their eyes on the opponent’s hands; there are

those who fix their eyes on the opponent’s face, and there are

also those who fix their eyes on the opponent’s feet, and so on.

When you try to fix your eyes on some particular point, there is

a sense of distraction, and this becomes what is known as an

affliction in martial arts.

In the context of the science of martial arts as well, when you

become familiar with each adversary, perceive the degree of

seriousness of people’s minds, and are able to practice the

science effectively, you can see even the distance and speed of

a sword. Generally speaking, the focus of the eyes in martial

arts is on the hearts and minds of the people involved.

Of two ways of perception, observing and seeing, the

observing eye is stronger, perceiving the heart and mind of the

adversary, seeing the state of the situation, focusing the eyes

broadly, perceiving the conditions for battle, perceiving the

strength and weakness of the occasion, concentrating on

seizing victory with precision.

By finicky narrowness of focus, you forget about bigger things and get

confused, thus letting certain victory escape you. This principle

demands careful reflection and thorough practice.

Understanding the Art of Truly Observing Others

Musashi emphasizes that there’s a big difference between simply seeing something and truly observing it. True observation is not just about taking note of what someone says or does. It’s about seeing the why behind their actions, understanding the subtle cues that reveal their true state of mind. This is where it gets interesting—and often challenging—because what people present on the surface isn’t always a clear reflection of what’s going on inside. For instance, someone might appear confident in a meeting, but if you notice their hands subtly trembling or their speech speeding up, it might indicate underlying anxiety or uncertainty. This ability to read between the lines can be a powerful tool in any kind of interaction.

I remember a few years ago, I was in a tense negotiation about preventing a conflict that could have escalated into violence on behalf of a friend of mine, and I noticed that the other party would tap their phone whenever they were uncertain about a point. By noticing this, I was able to steer the conversation, pushing gently where I saw uncertainty and backing off where their confidence was clear. It’s a skill that comes with practice, and it’s rooted in truly observing, not just seeing.

It is experiences like these which taught me that cultivating this "observing eye" is invaluable. It’s like sensing the mood and energy of a room before stepping into a meeting or recognizing the subtle shifts in a sparring partner’s stance before they strike.

I recall another example, when I was preparing for a negotiation with a potential client. As soon as I walked into the room, I noticed how they positioned themselves—leaning slightly back with crossed arms. Their body language suggested defensiveness or reluctance. Instead of jumping straight into my pitch, I adjusted my approach, focusing on building rapport and addressing any unspoken concerns. This small adjustment shifted the energy in the room, and they gradually became more open and receptive. It is after that point that I got the “green light” to proceed with my proposition.

In a different context, I remember a sparring session where my partner seemed calm, almost too calm. But as I watched more closely, I noticed the tension in their shoulders and the way they hesitated before each move. It told me that they were bracing for an aggressive response from me, perhaps expecting me to push the pace. Instead, I slowed down my movements, creating a rhythm that allowed them to relax. This change led to a more fluid and less tense sparring exchange, where we both learned from each other rather than clashing. It was a form of insecurity from the other, one that to the seeing eye was oblivious, but to the observing eye, it wasn’t.

Tuning into Deeper Intentions and Emotions

To observe the hearts and minds of others means to tune into their underlying motivations, to sense their emotions and intentions even when they are not explicitly stated. This is a skill that can be developed through time, experience, and a willingness to stay present in the moment. The moment you become too self-absorbed to the way you look, or the way you come across, you are snapping beck into the merely “seeing mode”. The same happens when you become lost in a past or future event.

For example, during a conversation, someone might insist that they are "fine" or "not upset," but if their voice is strained or they keep glancing away, it’s a signal that there’s something deeper going on. By noticing these small signs, you can create an opportunity for a more authentic conversation. You might gently say, "It seems like something might be bothering you—do you want to talk about it?" Such a question can open doors to deeper understanding and connection.

Observing with this kind of sensitivity is also about being aware of our own biases. It’s easy to assume that everyone sees the world as we do, but that’s rarely the case. People have different backgrounds, life experiences, and emotional triggers. By stepping back and really paying attention, we allow ourselves to see them as they are, rather than through the lens of our own expectations.

Now, let’s get more into the Martial Strategic Approach

A crucial part of understanding the "observing eye" is recognizing how powerful it can be to guide others' attention. Those who understand how to make their opponent—or even their audience—fixate on a specific object or idea can wield a significant advantage. This concept is rooted in understanding the hidden principles of the human mind, particularly how focus and attention can be directed or manipulated. By diverting someone's attention, you can mask your true intentions or create a distraction, making your next move less predictable and more effective.

This principle has been used throughout history, particularly in the realms of warfare, politics, and strategy. A famous example is the Battle of Austerlitz, where Napoleon Bonaparte deliberately weakened his right flank to lure the Austro-Russian forces into a vulnerable position. By making his opponents fixate on what appeared to be a strategic opportunity, he tricked them into moving where he wanted them, only to counterattack with his stronger forces from an unexpected direction. Napoleon understood that by directing their focus, he could control their actions and ultimately gain the upper hand.

Similarly, in political strategy, this principle is often at play. Leaders might use a single polarizing issue to draw the public’s attention while shifting focus away from more critical or less favorable matters. This tactic is sometimes referred to as "bait and switch." By focusing the public's or media's attention on one issue, they can obscure the larger picture, guiding public perception and reaction to their advantage. An example is how political leaders might spotlight a controversial topic to rally their base or draw attention away from ongoing issues, using the fixation to maintain control over the narrative.

In martial arts, this principle is known as “leading” or “baiting.” By presenting an opening, a skilled fighter can make their opponent believe it’s a genuine weakness, only to counter them with precision when they take the bait. Bruce Lee’s concept of the “Intercepting Fist” (Jeet Kune Do) taps into this idea. In one famous demonstration, he explains to a boxer how to read and intercept not just their physical movements but their psychological state as well. By subtly guiding where the opponent’s mind is focused, Lee could anticipate and counter their moves before they fully committed. It's about understanding how to manipulate focus, making your opponent reveal themselves while keeping your own intentions concealed.

Here is Bruce Lee’s video for reference for those who want to see it 👇

The Neuroscience Behind Focus and Fixation

From a neuroscience perspective, this tactic works because of how the human brain processes attention and perception. Our brains have a natural tendency toward selective attention—a survival mechanism that allows us to focus on certain stimuli while filtering out others. This selective attention is what enables us to concentrate on specific tasks or threats without becoming overwhelmed by all the sensory information around us. However, this same mechanism can be used against us when someone knows how to direct our focus intentionally.

On the Path of Martial Mastery, one transcends mere survival mental mechanisms, awakening a powerful layer of Awareness. This not only channels intent with purpose but also safeguards the mind from the manipulative intentions of others.

When a person is made to fixate on a particular object or thought, their prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and focus—gets locked into processing that specific input. This often comes at the expense of broader situational awareness, as other sensory data and potential threats become background noise. It's similar to how a magician uses misdirection to perform a trick: by guiding your focus to one hand, they conceal the true action happening with the other.

This focus-lock can be a powerful tool for those who know how to exploit it. In a negotiation, for instance, a skilled negotiator might make their counterpart fixate on a seemingly important concession while slipping in more subtle, advantageous terms elsewhere in the deal. The same goes for battlefield strategies where, by concentrating their adversaries’ attention on a feigned attack, generals have historically been able to carry out surprise maneuvers.

In both high-stakes combat and everyday interactions, understanding the power of fixation allows one to control the flow of events. By mastering the art of guiding attention, you can create an advantage that leaves the opponent—or anyone unaware of this dynamic—vulnerable. In the end, those who understand the mind's mechanisms can use this knowledge to shift the balance of power in their favor.

That’s all for this week’s article, dear readers. Hope you enjoyed this one. 😊

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